No, but you seriously think it’s your dayYou get to 10 miles and decide it’s just not your dayYou get runner’s trotsYou twist your ankle on a discarded water bottle You get a stitchYou want to stopYou’re in painYou feel great at mile 13You hit the wall at mile

their PB after six miles and live to regret it when they fade painfully later. You could speed up with the aim of finishing 5-10 minutes faster than planned, but we’d only recommend it if your pre-marathon race times have suggested that your current goal

or psychological issue? Russell Silsbury-BaseyA. Consult a good physio for an MOT, and then get your gait analysed at a local running shop. The physio should check ankle mobility and strength around the pain site. You should keep running, but only if the pain

health to take part in the world’s greatest race.During the raceFocus – but focus on the moment, not on how many miles remain. Think about your form, breathing and pace. This will build confidence and help you to remain relaxed. It’s only natural for your

and it was almost impossible to avoid abandoned water bottles and other obstacles. I trod on a water bottle and nearly sprained my ankle – by some miracle the pain was temporary and I was able to carry on, but if it had ruined my race I would have been devastated